Seeing clips of Danny Pintauro on "The View" and hearing holier than thou, judgemental comments from clueless host Candace Bure , I knew HIV still had stigma surrounding it.
Danny kept his cool. He carried himself with grace and kept his head held high.
Not only openly gay, but publicly open with his HIV status, I wanted to know how someone in the public eye could face scrutinity and be judged unfairly. I wanted to know more about the man, rather than the entertainer or "former child star".
I messaged Danny and asked if I could ask some questions. In no time at all, I received his response.
Here is that interview
Joe Lethbridger: Hi Danny. Did you find it easier to come out as a gay man as opposed to HIVpositive your being well known as a child star?
Danny lPintauro I didn’t find either easy… but I think because coming out as positive was on my terms - when I was ready - it was easier. I had time to prepare, become a whole human being who knows themselves and is ready to have the world know something very personal. And coming out as positive will make a bigger impact because I can actually be a beacon of light for people living with HIV or recovering from meth. I wasn’t ready to be a beacon for anyone coming out as gay back in 1997.
I personally commend you for breaching the use of meth and other drugs in the LGBT community. Have you had any fallout from those comments from within the community?
NONE! I think people might feel a little uncomfortable because I’m calling them out for ignoring the guy who has PNP ( party and play - recreational drug use and sex) in his profile instead of doing something about it…but that includes me! But I think everyone in our community can say that Meth has touched their lives in some way and I think people are ready for us to be done with it.
Do you attribute having positive reinforcement from your husband, friends and family for your positive outlook ?
I do! Both his family and my family. Having a solid base of support is THE MOST important thing to have when dealing with HIV or even Meth. You need people to talk to or you will not be able to heal and keep your life moving forward with truth and happiness. I know too many people who still haven’t told more than a few people and I worry for them. Join a group, volunteer somewhere, or just be brave and tell those you love… the ones who truly love you will still be there.
Do you consider yourself more of an LGBTQ activist, an HIV advocate or both?
I think because HIV and meth touch every single person in our community in some way, I would consider myself an LGBTQ activist who focuses on HIV and meth.
In upcoming speaking engagements will you be visiting high schools?
Yes, I would love to include schools in my tour because the topic of having safe sex is important in any context…and certainly important whether straight or gay.
Any plans to educate us in Canada?
If you bring me, I will come! For certain, my scope is not just US-based, in fact, I would like to go to Australia to deal with their terrible Ice (meth) problem. I’ll go anywhere people will listen.
Will you return to acting and any talk of a Who's the Boss reunion
No acting… at least not anytime soon. I’m focused on making change, not learning lines. Maybe in the future a little acting but just on the side, never again as a career. There’s always talk of a reunion and we’ve all said we would do it IF the script is really great!